S03E12 – Load Shedding Show

Non South Africans will be confused by the use of this mysterious phrase “load shedding”. It is in fact a euphemism employed by the country’s electricity giant (though the ‘giant’ may turn out to be merely someone of less than average height standing on a box) for its ongoing series of rolling power cuts. We think they figure if they call it something uniquely South African, South Africans will grow used to it – and, maybe even proud of it. After all, “Braaivleis, rugby, sunny skies and Eskom shedding the load…” sounds vaguely positive!

But there is no escaping the reality that in cities and town around the country, the electricity goes off for hours at a time when you least expect it – the Eskom-published “schedules” merely adding insult to injury (of which there are many as people try to get on with life in the dark).

So… we at Tune Me What? – sitting pretty in London and San Diego respectively, where governments would fall if the lights went out for more than 10 minutes every decade – have done a solidarity and sympathy show of some great UNPLUGGED South African music. So, candles lit, coals fired up, batteries to hand… here’s 60 minutes of electricity-free music!

We feature tunes by:

Amampondo

Chris Letcher

Fokofpoliesiekar

Jennifer Ferguson

Johannes Kerkorrel & Die Gereformeerde Blues Band

Larry Strelitz

Michael Flek

Mouers Family

Springbok Nude Girls

Syd Kitchen

Tony Cox

Vusi Mahlesela & Louis Mhlanga

Woodstock Mafia

We really appreciate your feedback. We’re always open to suggestions and even requests! If you’re a South African musician living or touring internationally, do let us know about your concerts, album releases or tours – we’d love to give you a punt on the show.

Our email address is yesno@tunemewhat.com But most importantly, if you enjoy the show, tell your friends about Tune Me What?! You can find us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TuneMeWhat

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In this episode we used some free sound effects from http://www.freesfx.co.uk

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